Top 20 NHL Defenseman – 2012

A lot of hockey publications put together their annual lists and quite often they are a little “out to lunch”. The lists are often biased with East coast favorites and quite often are based on players who have recently over achieved or had but one great season. Therefore The Hockey Fanatic polled some NHL hockey fans and came up with our own series of top players by position. We begin with defensemen and look at the league top 20 defenseman for 2012.

If you don’t agree with the fans selections, email usthehockeyfanatics at gmail.com and let us know who you think the top defenseman in the NHL are. Selections are based on who you feel is the best overall defenseman and includes criteria such as defensive play, plus/minus, physical play, hockey smarts, points, goals, special teams and team contribution.

Top 20 NHL Defenseman – 2012

Here is a look at the NHL’s top defensman for 2012.

Shea Weber – Nashville Predators

Drew Doughty – Los Angeles Kings

Erik Karlsson – Ottawa Senators

Zdeno Chara – Boston Bruins

Alex Pietranglo – St. Louis Blues

Duncan Keith – Chicago Blackhawks

Brian Campbell – Florida Panthers

Ryan Suter – Minnesota Wild

PK Subban – Montreal Canadiens

Dan Boyle – San Jose Sharks

Dustin Byfuglien – Winnipeg Jets

Kris Letang – Pittsburgh Penguins

Alex Edler – Vancouver Canucks

Dion Phaneuf – Toronto Maple Leafs

Keith Yandle – Phoenix Coyotes

Michael Del Zotto – New York Rangers

Kevin Bieksa – Vancouver Canucks

Ladislav Smid – Edmonton Oilers

Jack Johnson – Columbus Blue Jackets

Tyler Myers – Buffalo Sabres

No shortage of Norris trophy candidates here. A number of great defensemen and a few that you would most likely not expect to see on the list.